West Valley News

CITY QUALITY & PRODUCTIVITYCOMMISSION RECOGNIZES UNIQUEAND MONEY-SAVING PROJECTSAT ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONYThe City of Los Angeles Quality & Productivity

Commission held its annual recognition awardsceremony on Friday, October 14, 2011 to honorselected City Departments and workers whichhave demonstrated superior quality, productivityand efficiency in their operations and programs.This year, the focus is on drawing attention toprojects that save money and set an exampleof how to do more with less.

Commission President Ron Galperin presentedcertificates of recognition to 2011’s most notableand award-winning projects—and to theiremployee team members—at a ceremony inthe City Hall Council Chambers. Eleven projectsinvolving 20 City Departments, Bureaus andDivisions were highlighted by the 15-memberCommission for collectively resulting in millionsof dollars in desperately needed savings. Alsopublicly recognizing these unique projects,and some 150 City workers who made themhappen, were members of the City Counciland its Audits & Governmental EfficiencyCommittee, including Chair Dennis Zine.

To reward and encourage innovation andefficiency, the Commission hosts its annualawards ceremony recognizing and honoringemployee teams whose outstanding projectsand innovations improve the productivity andefficiency of our City. Many of these projectsare self-initiated by front-line employees whosometimes spend years developing an ideainto reality. Projects this year include utility-andmaintenance-saving initiatives, consolidations,administrative cost-cutting measures, waste-to-energy pilots and creative use of interns.

“Our Commission is proud to recognize andhonor employees in our City who are innovatingand doing exceptional work. Now more thanever, we need to encourage, assist and honorquality and productivity in Los Angeles Citygovernment. In these tougher times, it is vitalthat the City ‘tighten its belt’—and we need to

The important approval of a job creationdevelopment and the upcoming 100thanniversary celebration of a historicalcommunity, is just what we need nowto look forward to a positive new year.

After four long years of community scrutinyand a lengthy entitlement process, The Village atWestfield Topanga was unanimously approved 5-0by the Los Angeles Planning Commission, at theend of a 7-hour public hearing, on October 27th.

This significant $450 million development southof Victory and west of Owensmouth, will createthousands of jobs both during construction andafter completion of the project. It will generate over$600 million of economic output for the Valleyand several millions in tax revenue for the City.

Sweet music to Major Antonio Villaraigosa, whoduring the recent United Chambers 7th AnnualMayors’ Luncheon at the Warner Center Marriott,said “we are moving aggressively to improve howthe City works with business.” Let’s hope CityCouncil members were paying attention so theycan move aggressively to expedite the approval ofThe Village at Westfield Topanga ASAP.

CONNECTING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2004. CELEBRATING 8 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY. Volume 7 Number 10 2011

www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

The West Valley Preparing for a Very Eventful 2012

Serving:CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

FREE

A view of Westfield Style Tour at The Canyon Lower Level that brought makeovers and style sessions to Valleyresidents during the weekends of October 15-16 and October 22-23. A great kick off to the holiday season.

sfvThis

copyofthe

WestValley

Newsbelongs

to:

SUBSCRIBETO

THEWEST

VALLEYNEW

S.12MONTHLY

ISSUESFOR

ONLY$15

Fall Fest kicks off West Hills 25th

Ed Crowe / West Valley News

The West Hills Fall Fest was started in 2004 as a family festival to introduce local small businesses andprofessional service providers to the community. Also to put the spotlight on the merchants at the West HillsShopping Center on the corner of Woodlake and Saticoy. The first festival organized by Chamber Board membersMonika Heigh and Ed Crowe, attracted over 80 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors. It raised $25,000 andwas very successful. The Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber has continued its tradition of success and greatfamily entertainment for all—with the support and sponsorship of the West Hills Neighborhood Council. October2 was no exception with a special presentation on stage to highlight the 25th anniversary of West Hills in 2012.


INSIDE

Soteras Mortgage 2Commercial / Residential

The Village Approbed 5-0 3

Maximizing Your Leadership 5

Braces for $99/mo. Corbin Dental 9

A.S.K. me about the law! 11

$ave BIG with Business Servicesand Classified 15

New ER at West Hills Hospital 16

Members of the West Hills Neighborhood Council were presented with special certificates by CongressmanBrad Sherman and Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of West Hills.

See Quality & Productivity Commission on 0

See Preparing for an Eventful 2012 on Page 2

Richard Leyner, one of the founders of UnitedChambers and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, duringthe 7th Annual Mayors’ Luncheon at the Marriott.

See additional photos of the West Hills Fall Fest 2011 on Page 8

NOW ONLINE 24/7

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS 24/7 WITH A NEW WEBSITE. CALL 818.883.3374 TODAY!Web Hosting from just $4.99/mo!

Dollar-for-dollar, feature-for-feature, you’ll find the Web’s best hosting plans with us.But our plans aren’t cheap —They’re affordable. Big difference!

Plus, all of our state-of-the-art hosting plans come complete with FREE 24/7 technical support.

See listing of all hosting plans with complete details and prices!

www.crowemarketingdesign.com

Five Page WebsiteEconomy Plan WebSite Tonight $4.99/mo.HOME | ABOUT US | SERVICES | NEWS | CONTACT US

• 1 GB Disk Space • 150 GB Bandwidth • Free email

Professionally Designed Templates / Pre-built Websites

BUILD IT YOURSELF OR WE CAN BUILD IT FOR YOU


DONOT

LETWHAT

YOUCANNOT

DOINTERFERE

WITH

WHAT

YOUCAN

DO.John

Wooden

From the Publisher’s DeskIt’s that time of the year to review year-to-date activities to reassess our

current plans for next year and prepare for the upcoming holidays.

Time to give thanks for what we have and for those who contribute toour success and happiness.

I personally want to extend my gratitude once again to our advertisers,readers, editorial contributors, and supporters, who make the publishingof the West Valley News possible. I want to thank my family and friends forputting up with my long hours of work and community volunteering. I want tomake an effort to balance my time and activities better to set quality timeaside for loved ones.

In the meantime, let’s stay healthy and prepare for an eventful new year.Have a great time getting together with your loved one for a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

PAGE 2 West Valley News Volume 7 Number 10 2011

Crowe Marketing Design PublisherEd Crowe Managing Editor/Creative DirectorJonathan Goldhill Contributing WriterAl Martinez Contributing WriterLance Miller Contributing Writer

The West Valley News is published monthly asan information and educational resource for smallbusinesses and community-based organizations.

WEST VALLEY NEWSCrowe Marketing Design8378 Sale AvenueWest Hills, CA 91304Tel: (818) 883-3374Fax: (818) 883-9678advertising@westvalleynews-sfv.comwww.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pmAnnual subscription rate is $15.Single copies $1. Multiple copies $50/100 bundle

Flyer insertion and distribution is available.Cost is $75/1000. Minimum 1,000.

Editorial Contributors

The deadline for articles, letters and photos isthe third week of the month for consideration inthe upcoming month’s issue. E-mail (preferred)submissions to: [email protected].

The Editor reserves the right to reject or edit allsubmissions. Opinions expressed by contributorsare not necessarily those of the West Valley News.

Advertisers

To advertise, call 818-883-3374. The deadlinefor ads for each issue is the end of the third weekof the month prior to the month of publication.

©2011 Crowe Marketing CommunicationsImage copyrights held by the artists.

The West Valley News is open to the entirebusiness community of the San Fernando Valley.

The West Valley News is distributed by regular mailto active subscribers, via email to an electronicmailing list, and to the general public throughmore than 65 strategic, high-traffic businesslocations throughout the West Valley.

Now online 24/7-365 www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

Soon you will be able to FLASH your vBizEx™ and SAVE!

Spiritual self worth, identityand freedom

Explore your spiritual natureInternational speaker,

Rob Gilbert, is a practitioner andteacher of Christian Science healingand a member of the Christian Science

Board of Lectureship.

“Spiritual self-worth heals and transformshuman character”

SUNDAY, NOV. 20 at 2PMFree Public Lecture Sponsored by Christian Science Churches of:ENCINO (818) 784-3609 NORTHRIDGE (818) 349-4463WOODLANDHILLS (818) 347-4418

DAV at 6543 Corbin Avenue, Woodland Hills

For additional information, contact Joan Brown at (818) 996-5456

Preparing for an Eventful 2012Continued from Page 1

Canoga Park will be celebrating its 100th anniversary as a west valley community and many plansare on the table to revisit its historical past. On March 30, 2012, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will joinmembers of the community to officially mark the 100th year of Canoga Park’s existence.

At around that time of the year, Westfield will possibly be making preparations for a big event tocelebrate the ground breaking of The Village and to begin construction of the new Costco store. Thisproject when fully implemented will be historical in terms of scale and economic significance to thefuture of the west San Fernando Valley.

2012 is also an election year and we will see the beginning of a second term for President Obamaor the administering of the Oath of Office to a newly elected GOP challenger. Citizens will make adifference if they get out and vote and choose a candidate who is interested in solving our country’sproblems rather than winning elections for their political party.

The ground breaking of The Village at Westfield Topanga, the celebration of the 100th anniversaryof Canoga Park, and the election or reelection of our next President, will make 2012 very eventful.

West Valley News Volume 7 Number 10 2011 PAGE 3

LETTERS

Write, Email, Fax, Call

Write Managing Editor, West Valley News8378 Sale Avenue, West Hills, CA 91304

Email [email protected]

Tel / Fax 818-883-3374 / 818-883-9678

Include name, address, and daytime telephone.Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

COOKING CLASSES

Main Street Canoga Park

Farmers’ MarketMAKE IT A HABIT

Every Saturday 9AM-1PMOwensmouth north of Sherman Way

You Can Have Your Carbs and Eat Them TooBy Lori San Martin, Certified Fitness Instructor I.F.P.A.

Carbohydrates got a bad rap when the high protein diets were popu-lar. But they aren’t all bad. In fact, carbs provide the body with muchneeded energy for physical activity and to help your organs functionproperly. Did you know that all vegetables and all fruits are classified

as carbohydrates and of course you know they are good for you.

So which carbs are the “bad guys”? Use this simple phrase to find out-“If it’s white, take a hike”. Stayaway from anything made with white flour such as breads, cakes, cookies and pies. Also, white rice, whitebread and for some people, potatoes are a no no. Sugar is the biggest bad guy and comes in all formsincluding candy, desserts, sodas and many cereals.

If you are looking to lose weight or simply be healthier, cutting bad carbs out of your diet is a quick andsimple way to start. Replace them with good carbs like whole grain breads and cereals being careful to pickthe ones lowest in sugars. Choose brown rice, whole wheat pastas and load your plate with vegetables,fruits and don’t forget the beans!

Embrace the good carbohydrates and you will be healthier for it.

Be healthy, Be happy!

Lori San Martin is certified with the International Fitness Professionals Association. For personal trainingcontact Lori at [email protected] or call 818-999-0320.

“Turkey as a Marketand a Gateway”

Wednesday, November 16, 20117:30-9:00 AM

The Valley Economic Alliance5121 Van Nuys Blvd.,

BFG Boardroom 2nd FloorSherman Oaks, CA 91403

VITA Global Networking Breakfast

7:30 A.M. - Networking Breakfast

8:00 A.M. – Program

VITA invites you to attend and learn more abouthow to do business with Turkey. One of ourspeakers is Marc Newell, Senior Account Managerof Turkish Airlines. He is a 24 year veteran of thetravel industry and has spent the last 11 years asa regional sales manager for foreign flag carriers,covering the Western USA.; he joined TurkishAirlines in early 2011. Marc's presentation willfocus on the following areas, the expansion ofTurkish Airlines route network, including cargoand the opening up of U.S. gateways WashingtonDulles and most recently Los Angeles. Our otherspeaker is Gurkan Suzer, PhD, CommercialAttache, Consulate General of Turkey. He wasassigned as a Commercial Consul to the LosAngeles Trade Office in April 2011. He has beenworking for 18 years in foreign trade relatedissues in different positions. Gurkan will givean overview regarding the latest developmentsin Turkish trade and elaborate on the economyof Turkey.

Make Your Reservation Today!

Individual Tickets: $20 (members)$25 (non-members)

E-mail: [email protected] -or Call: 818-379-7000 x 109

Visit our website at www.thevalley.net

Support Our HeroesThis Veterans Day...With Veterans Day coming up on Nov. 11, it’s agreat time to help honor and thank our nation'sheroes for their service and sacrifice to the country.

Our Veterans need our help and support. They aredisproportionately represented among the homelesspopulation, and many of them return from servingin Iraq and Afghanistan with lasting physical andemotional wounds.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

– Donate or volunteer with Veterans Affairs ofGreater Los Angeles.

– The National Coalition on Homeless Veteransoffers these tips to support Veterans:

– Volunteering at a shelter, be a mentor oroffer legal aid

– Organize a Stand Down program

– Develop a Veteran burial program

– Volunteer or donate to community-based Veteransupport organizations in your neighborhood

– Advocate for homeless Veterans

– Donate to the National Coalition onHomeless Veterans

Help Provide Thanksgiving Dinnersto Struggling Families...Councilmember Mitchell Englander and the entireCD 12 staff are volunteering on Monday, Nov. 21to help North Valley Family YMCA distribute 1,000Thanksgiving dinners to struggling families. Youcan be part of this wonderful annual effort by theYMCA by volunteering or donating food or money.

Each year, the North Valley Family YMCAdistributes baskets with a turkey and all the fixingsso that a family can have their own completeThanksgiving dinner at home. It is hard to expresshow important it is for a family that is barely ableto keep afloat during these tough economic timesto be able to provide their kids with a Thankgsivingdinner.

The YMCA needs donations of frozen turkeys,$10 gift certificates for Ralph’s or Food 4 Less anddonations of cranberries, pumpkin, green beans,gravy, boxed mashed potatoes and otherThanksgiving food items. Monetary donationsare always welcome.

You can drop off a check made out to “YMCA” orfood items at the YMCA Monday through Friday,5:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday 7:00 am to 8:00pm, or Sunday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Checks canalso be mailed to Sisy Sagastume, North ValleyFamily YMCA, 11336 Corbin Ave., Porter RanchCA 91326.

Volunteers are also needed for Saturday, Nov. 19and Sunday, Nov. 20 to help prepare the baskets.

To sign up, donate, or for more information, pleasecall Sisy Sagastume at the North Valley FamilyYMCA at (818) 368-3231 ext. 2304.

Have a Safe and Spooky Halloween...Please drive extra carefully this Monday, Oct. 31 tohelp keep our streets safe for all the little ghoulsand goblins that are out trick-or-treating onHalloween night. Kids are excited and distracted byall the Halloween fun, and often run into the streets.

Parents, please make sure that your kids haveflashlights or some form of illumination, and besure that they are educated about not venturing outinto the street and only crossing streets at propercrosswalks, with an adult. Make sure that they areaccompanied at all times by a trusted adult, parentor guardian while trick-or-treating. Always inspectall candy that they receive before allowing them toeat any of it. Discard any candy that has open wrap-pers or looks irregular.

To see Chidren’s Hospital Los Angeles’ HalloweenSafety Tips click here. For more safety informationfrom Safe Moves LA, call (818) 786-4614.

THE VILLAGE APPROVED 5-0

“Why is it taking so long? This is a no-brainer.I urge you to expedite the approval process.We need the jobs and the City needs the taxrevenue.” Said Jack Dawson, president of theCanoga Park/ West Hills Chamber, before thePlanning Commission Public Hearing, voicinghis support for The Village at Westfield Topangaproposed development.

Years have passed since Westfield submittedits application for The Village on July 17, 2007.

After an extensive outreach program byWestfield to receive community input—at least200 meetings and 800 plus pages of detailedrecommendations and objections to the EIR—in addition to several public hearings throughoutthe entitlement process, the L.A. City PlanningCommission unanimously approved The Villageat Topanga development, on Thursday, October27, 2011. A few conditions were outlined. Thenext step is approval by the City Council.

The exhausting seven-hour public hearing wasattended by over 200 people. A number of themrepresenting community-based organizationsincluding the Woodland Hills HomeownersAssociation and the Warner Center NeighborhoodCouncil. They revisited issues of concern aboutthe number of parcels of subdivision at the35-acre site, the length of time for the durationof the entitlement, single-story vs. multi-story

design alternatives for the new Costco and otherproposed structures, number of surface parkingspaces, and the location of the gas station atthe corner of Victory and Owensmouth. All theseissues had been addressed by the Westfielddevelopment team in previous presentationsand meetings.

During the public hearing, John Alderson,Westfield Development Director of The Village,made a comprehensive visual presentationthat highlighted all the design features andamenities of the project. He also carefullyoutlined the list of community benefits andcompromises incorporated into the project asa result of input from the community. The listof benefits added up to $34 million, including$6 million earmarked for a multi-purposecommunity center.

When Planning Commission President BillRoschen asked the attending public to showwho was in favor of the project by standing up,an overwhelming majority got on their feet.

Representatives from United Chambers, VICA,The Valley Economic Alliance, Valley CulturalCenter, Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber, andWinnetka Neighborhood Council were amongthe groups who voiced their support.

Upon City Council approval, demolition andconstruction will begin in early 2012.

Business and community representatives line up to voice their support for the The Village at Westfield Topangaduring the October 27, 2011 Planning Commission Public Hearing at City Hall in Van Nuys.


FAMILY FESTIVAL Nov. 5Victory & OwensmouthFUN • GAMES • MUSIC

NEED A PLUMBER AT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESSCALL H.W. ALLEN AT 818.340.2791


United Chambers of CommerceA Coalition of 32 Business Organizations, including 22 Chambersof Commerce representing over 21,000 businesses.

5121 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 208Sherman Oaks, CA 91403T 818-981-4491 F 818-981-4256

Build your business while building your community.Join a Chamber of Commerce today.

How does your business benefit by being a memberof your local chamber?

• Opportunities to market your business.• Great networking opportunities and events.• Get involved with local legislative issues.• Meet local business and political activists.• Be involved in a variety of community events.

For a complete list of member chambers,visit www.unitedchambers.org

Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber(818) 889-3150 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Calabasas Chamber(818) 222-5680 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber(818) 884-4222 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber(818) 341-2428 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Encino Chamber(818) 789-4711 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Granada Hills Chamber(818) 368-3235 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber(818) 989-0300 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Regional Black Chamber818.464.3484 | Fax [email protected]

Reseda ChamberContact Nancy at (818) 989-0300 for [email protected]

SFV Filipino-American Chamber(818) 780-9197 | (818) [email protected]

Sherman Oaks Chamber(818) 906-1951 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Winnetka Chamber(818) 340-2282 | Fax (818 [email protected]

Woodland Hills/Tarzana Chamber(818) 347-4737 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Subscribe to the West Valley News

818.883.3374

FREE12 ELECTRONIC ISSUES

PER YEAR

CALABASAS

CANOGA PARK

CHATSWORTH

RESEDA

TARZANA

WEST HILLS

WINNETKA

WOODLAND HILLS

Get local business and community news at yourcomputer screen. Visit us online to sign-up todayat www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

CALL ED CROWE!

4Marketing Brochures


818.883.3374

Marketing Brochure for Spine Care Solution

CALL ED CROWE!

4Logo Design


818.883.3374

Corporate Logo for Ubiqueonline.com

Holding scissors are Providence Financial & Insurance Services President Anthony A. Saccaro and ExecutiveDirector Anca Saccaro. Behind Anca is Client Relationship Manager Drew Bell. Woodland Hills~TarzanaChamber of Commerce CEO Diana Williams and Director of Business Development, Jen Svejda.

Photo by Brian Harr

The United Chambers of Commerce have takenofficial positions on the following critical issuesfacing the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Countyand all of California.

Resolution Taken on October 17, 2011

The following positions were taken:

Waste Collection - Bureau of Sanitation

The Bureau of Sanitation is proposing to eliminatecompetition between the current 104 commercialhaulers and establish an exclusive franchise systemand charge franchise fees. By closing down over 50companies this will destroy thousands of jobs.

The Government Affairs Committee voted October 17,2011 to OPPOSE this.

SB 250 - Sacramento, San Joaquin Delta:Delta Plan: Conveyance Facility

SB 250 will provide certainty that the Bay DeltaConservation Plan will be completed by February 15,2013 and that the construction of Delta facilities willbe completed by December 21, 2025. In light of themounting danger to the state's water supply due toseismic risk, levee failure and Delta ecosystem deteri-oration, it is imperative that the state and federal gov-ernments efficiently complete the Bay DeltaConservation Plan.

The Government Affairs Committe voted October 17,2011 to SUPPORT AB 250.

We invite your comments and questions. Please directyour inquiries to the Executive Director of UnitedChambers of Commerce at: 818-981-4491 oremail: [email protected].

SENIOR BENEFITS IS NOW PROVIDENCE FINANCIAL & INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.New name, new office and a thriving business despite bad economyWOODLAND HILLS — Senior Benefits, a financial and estate planning company specializing in conservative

investment strategies for baby boomers and retirees, has changed its name to Providence Financial & InsuranceServices, Inc. to better reflect its identity and scope of services.

Providence Financial & Insurance Services has also started a rebranding campaign, moved to a larger officeon Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills and hired more staff to accommodate its growth. “Despite the flaggingeconomy, we've been blessed with a business that’s expanding,” says Anthony A. Saccaro, ChFC, president ofProvidence Financial & Insurance Services, who started out selling life insurance products door-to-door inthe late '90s.

“Earlier this year, we started offering tax preparation services, and more importantly, we developed a relation-ship with Jim W. Rickard of the Stewardship Services Foundation in Santa Clarita who specializes in financialplanning seminars for churches. We earned his trust and respect because of our service-first philosophy andcomprehensive financial planning strategies that help clients maximize their financial plans and retirementbenefits while minimizing their taxes and post-death expenses. As a result, we've received countless referralsfrom him. It's been a very fruitful alliance," Saccaro added.

Saccaro got his California insurance license in 1999 and started Senior Benefits, working out of his home.He also became a registered investment advisor and started offering financial and estate planning services.In 2006, with his business growing, Saccaro moved it from his living room to a small office in Woodland Hills,just a few minutes from his current location. The recent name change to Providence Financial & InsuranceServices captures Saccaro's vision of his company based on his Christian faith and his belief that everythingis providential, including his long hard road to success.

OPEN HOUSEProvidence Financial & Insurance Services celebrated the name change and new office with a

ribbon-cutting and open house on October 20, 2011. More than 150 clients, guests and friends helped make ita resounding success!

It was a fun evening of food, fellowship, tours of the office, warm hugs and beaming smiles. The highlightof the evening was the Ribbon Cutting officiated by Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce CEO,Diana Williams, director of business development, Jen Svejda, and Chamber Ambassadors, MartinCarman and Paul Shafit.

Octaviano Rios, field deputy for Councilman Dennis P. Zine, presented Anthony A. Saccaro, presidentof Providence Financial, with a City of Los Angeles Recognition Certificate. Saccaro said, "We are humbled andgrateful to have Mr. Rios represent Councilman Zine for this important event in our company's history."

The evening culminated with a public drawing ofthe CELEBRATION RAFFLE winners. MildredTerranova (photo right) was the winner of theGRAND PRIZE, a 5-day, 4-night Mexico Cruise fortwo. Our client since 2006, Mildred is 92 yearsyoung and is actively involved with the Santa ClaritaSenior Center. She is excited to go on the cruise witha friend. Bon voyage!

Congratulations to Tom and Susan Thompson,recent Providence Financial clients, who won botha SILVER PRIZE AND a GOLD PRIZE because they,took advantange of the multiple entry allowance toobtain five extra raffle entries and introduced five oftheir friends to Providence Financial.

At the end of the event, Saccaro thanked everyonewho attended the Open House; his dedicated staff,Drew Bell and Janet Tran; Brian HarrPhotography; Julie Cha Allen of J. AllenCommunications, for her invaluable media and publicrelations and marketing expertise; and CassidyAllen for his branding and graphic design contribution. Anthony expressed special gratitude to his wife,Anca Saccaro, executive director of Providence Financial, who organized and coordinated the event.

Further, he thanked theWoodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce leadership and members fortheir support. "I look forward to our continued involvement with the local business community. Thanks also toEd Crowe, publisher and editor of the SFV West Valley News, and most importantly, I thank my Lord andSavior Jesus Christ for all the blessings He has bestowed upon our company by His providence."

———

Providence Financial & Insurance Services, Inc. specializes in conservative investment strategies and estate planning for babyboomers and retirees. Its mission is to help educate its clients on the myriad of investment options and income strategies sothey can make informed decisions for a secure future. It is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Department ofCorporation in the State of California. For more information on Providence Financial & Insurance Services, please visitwww.providencefinancialinc.com or call 818-887-6443.


SUPPORTING THE BRAVE OFFICERS THAT PROTECT AND SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

www.topangaboosters.org

PLEASE JOIN US AS A MEMBER

The Topanga Boosters is a volunteer support organization made up of business and community leaders. Its primarymission is to increase the effectiveness and morale of the officers and staff of the Topanga Police Station by raisingmoney for community services, materials, and equipment not generally supplied by the City of Los Angeles.

TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE

There are many ways how you as a stakeholder in the community can be part of the Topanga Boosters.

LAPD Good Neighbor Any Amount

LAPD Residential Supporter $60.00 per year

LAPD Business Supporter $120.00 per year

The Topanga BOOSTERS is a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Organization. Tax ID# 36-4622976

For more information about becoming a member of the Topanga Boosters as a resident or business owner, contactEd Crowe, Vice President of Community Relations at (818) 231-4454 or at [email protected].

The Growth CoachBecoming a Strategic Business OwnerBy Jonathan Goldhill and Daniel M. Murphy

You Are 100% Responsible

Look around your business. Whatever you like and dislike about your business and personal life is because ofyou. Whatever your business has become or failed to become is because of you. As the business owner, whetheryou like it or not, you are the de facto leader. Your business is what it is, where it is, and how it is because ofyou. Period. You are the leader. You are 100% responsible. You are the CEO, whether you are a company of one,100, or 1,000. You are responsible for the good, the bad, and the ugly results and conditions of your business.

As such, do not blame your challenges, frustrations or problems on who is in the White House, the economy,interest rates, changing technology, globalization, industry trends, your employees, or your competition. Do notallow yourself to make excuses or blame others. Such a weakness will rob you of proper self-analysis andimprovement. You will point to others for your problems and solutions instead of yourself and your team.

As leader, you are the solution to most everything that ails your company. Again, you are responsible forsetting the direction and goals of the company and holding your team accountable for executing the game plan.You are responsible for shaping, systematizing and leading a business that is profitable and efficient. Unless youhire a professional business manager or President with full authority to run the business, leadership cannot bedelegated. There is no such thing as effective leadership by committee or consensus. Every business needs andcraves one strong leader with one clear vision. Get up and get going!

Creating the Vision

Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, has stated, “Good business leaders create a vision, articulatethe vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” Clear visions have helpedshape and propel impressive companies. For example, Fred Smith, founder of Federal Express, had a visionthat packages could be delivered around the United States by the next morning. Disney wanted to make familiessmile. Dominoes wanted you to have hot, delicious pizza delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less or it wasfree. Coke wanted to have its refreshing beverages within the reach of every person in the world. Microsoftwanted to create beneficial software that would compel people to have a computer on every desk at work,home and school.

Jonathan Swift said, “Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.” Don’t sell vision creation short. You mustlearn to understand, value, and appreciate the essential role of an exciting vision for a healthy and growingbusiness. Start thinking and planning more. Escape the tyranny of the urgent and focus on one of the mostimportant tasks you can do—create an exciting future destiny and direction for your business. Effective visionsalso help lead the leaders—keeping them motivated and challenged.

Let me state a warning. Fully realize that your employees must buy into you as a leader before they buy intoyour vision. They must believe and trust in you to believe and trust in your vision. You may need to do somerepair work to establish yourself as a caring and competent leader before you start creating and selling yourvision. You will need to connect with their hearts before connecting with their heads.

To create a new vision or sharpen and update an existing one, allow yourself a month. See yourself as theChief Listening Officer during this early phase. You cannot build a vision or business on your own. For buy-inlater, seek the input of others now. Include your employees, customers, suppliers, distributors and businessadvisers in the process. Spend a week or two gathering input from these stakeholders about your company’sdirection, strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. If they do not participate in this creation phase,they will not want to participate in the vision implementation phase. Also, study your industry trends and yourcurrent and emerging competitors. On all fronts, do your homework.

After listening to and studying others, be certain to listen to your inner voice and gut. While other’s input iscritical, know that the buck stops with you. You are ultimately responsible for the vision of your business.Your vision ultimately becomes your company’s direction, objectives, priorities, strategies, and tactics. It isthat magical and that important.

Therefore, get away from the daily interruptions and go into your CEO Cave. This could be your home office,at a coffee shop, at a park, library or beach. Spend two to three days forming or crystallizing a picture of whatyou want the business to look like in one year, three years, and five years. See things the way they can be.Dream the big dream; unleash your spirit. See the business in your heart that you truly want to create. A bold,daring, super-sized vision, even if only partially achieved, yields greater rewards than a small, wimpy visionfully achieved.

Remember, there are no rules while you create a desired future state. However, don’t deal in pure fantasy. Thereis a difference between a vision and a delusion. Stay somewhat grounded. You must see things the way they arenow in order to visualize the way they can be. You must build from a foundation of realism, acknowledging yourcompany’s current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. However, once you gather the facts, let goand let her rip.

Grab hold of the future, bring it into the present, and then go about creating it. Give yourself and youremployees something to be proud of. Find a voice to express the common dreams, emotions, potential andneeds of your team. Let your vision inspire, motivate, and galvanize your team. Small visions do not stir thesoul. Give people a reason to follow, something to shoot for. Make the vision intoxicating—something thatcaptures their imagination. Show them the finish line in bright, Technicolor detail. Sell more to their hearts thanto their heads. People change when their feelings change, not when merely their thoughts change. Powerfulvisions unite groups and take them to new heights and places.

Keep in mind, employees want purpose and passion to lift them and propel them. Find a larger purpose foryour company than merely making money. Don’t settle for being a random collection of people and assets tryingto make a buck. A purely financial focus will not sustain the troops over the long term. Make coming to worka meaningful and fulfilling event for your employees. People want to work in a challenging and rewardingenvironment. They want to learn, grow and reach their potential – the full expression of their talent. People aredrawn to great leaders, great visions and great causes.

Having trouble thinking big? Ask yourself bigger questions!

Jonathan Goldhill, The Growth Coach, coaches leaders of private companies to grow their business. To learn more abouthis unique group and individual coaching programs visit www.TheGrowthCoachLA.com. Jonathan can be reached at(818) 716-8826 or [email protected]. Daniel M. Murphy is CEO & Founder of The Growth Coach FranchiseSystem, www.TheGrowthCoach.com.

See Strategic Business Owners on Page 11 Jon’s Fitness Background and CredentialsNike Award Winner for Creativity in Personal Training / Awarded“Master Trainer” Status by the National Gym Association / ReebokSpin Certified Instructor / USA Fit Marathon Trainer / Russian Commando(Spetsnetz) Fitness Techniques / Golden Gloves Boxer and Coach /Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt (Japanese style) / Weight Management andNutritional Expertise / Post Natal and Pregnancy Trained / American RedCross Certified / Cancer Survivor Rehabilitation Techniques Certification /Flexibility & Range of Motion Studies Certification (Esquerre).

GEIGER’SNOLIMITS Training

Jon Geiger is an Athletic Conditioning Specialist with over 20 years of experience guiding athletes, performers andmany others to achievements in performance, rehabilitation and the growth of will and self-belief while manifestingchange. He is the founder of Geiger’s No Limits Training and The Academy at Geiger’s No Limits (A Training Academydevoted to Sport-Specific Conditioning for the Young Athlete).

If you, or your group, are ready to exceed all previous goals and redefine achievement,GEIGER’S NO LIMITS is committed to taking you there and beyond.

START YOUR TOMORROW—TODAY!

Sport-Specific and Individual Conditioning

Jon designs and manages athletic achievementprograms for Grand Prix Equestrian Riders,

Professional Hockey Players aswell as regular folks with equallyimpressive life-goals. His systemof training and teaching isindividualized and based uponthe goals and physical abilitiesof each client; customizedroutines to ensure success.

His approach consists of but is not limited to:

• Cardio Intensive–Heart Healthy

• Injury Prevention-Joint Strengthening

• Muscle Tone & Building-Body-Fat Loss

• Weight Loss-Core Stabilization

• Flexibility-Range of Motion

All workouts incorporate injury preventiontechniques and peak performance methods.

“The Academy” at Geiger’s No Limitsis available to individuals and groups

High School, College and Professional Athletesand teams share a common thread and that is to stayahead of their competition, compete at the highestlevel with limited to no injuries and to train smarternot longer. Jon offers focused sport-specific athleticconditioning to the young athlete in both individualand group formats.

Jon is available as an ad hoc consultant for thedevelopment and implementation of conditioningprograms for teams as well as organizations.

The Academy also offers a series of year-roundinteractive one and two day workshops that willpropel your team or individual athletes to thehighest level of conditioning and focus.

• Extended sessions also available.

• Explosive Plyometrics and Core Strength Principles

• Sports-Specific Muscle Building and Injury Prevention

• Range of Motion and Fast and Slow TwitchMuscle Activation

• Hybrid Yoga for Strength and Stability

“Congratulations to personal trainer Jon Geiger,the winner of Nike's "Shape up for Summer"personal training competitions. Bottom line,he’s the best in L.A.”

— Entertainment Today

Geiger’s No Limits Training is now proudly basedin the West Valley, and additionally offers mobileservices to accommodate both your personal andorganization’s needs.

For inquiries and to schedule a consultation,please contact Jon by phone or email

[email protected]

www.geigersnolimits.com

INDIVIDUALIZED FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS“What sets Jon apart is his ability to intelligently diagnose athletic limitations, both physical and mental,and engineer creative solutions that draw from his expertise across multiple disciplines.”

— Justin Resnik, International Champion Equestrian Show Jumper, Eurosporthorses

To learn more about how you can benefit, visit

Editor’s note: Beginning with Volume 7 Number 1 of the West Valley News, we started publishing monthlyinstallments of the content of a book by Daniel M. Murphy, CEO & Founder of The Growth Coach. The book istitled “Becoming a Strategic Business Owner. A Proven Process to Enhance Your Strategic Mindset.”

__________

CHAPTER 5. MAXIMIZING YOUR LEADERSHIP (CONT.)

Find copies of the West Valley News atCORBIN BOWL19616 Ventura Blvd.Tarzana, CA 91356

Managed by Gary Montgomery

P 818-996-2695WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

(Wednesday is dollar day for Seniors )$1.00 per game

HoursSunday-Thursday9:00 AM - MidnightFriday-Saturday

9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

or online at www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

3000 Jobs Applicants Show Up for “Honor a Hero” Job FairAlmost 3,000 job applicants showed up for the 6th annual “Honor a HeroHire a Vet” job fair held by the Valley Economic Alliance on Thursday,held at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel in Woodland Hills.SFVBJ.com Daily eNews

West Valley News Volume 7 Number 10 2011

Autumn: A Time to RememberAutumn is the sweetest time of the year, a hesitation between seasons that allows the

mind to wander many trails.

The days grow cool in autumn as a mist spreads down from the mountains like a bridalveil, and stars strew the night skies with a multiplicity of diamonds.

Summer taxes the soul with its tyranny of heat and winter passes without noticeablechange unless the rains come in drenching torrents, but autumn colors the trees and addsgold to the fields.

Autumn is a quiet time.

I realize as I sit in our gazebo facing the somber moments of my life that there is amelancholy nature to the stillness of the morning. I find myself in a month of Remember,gazing past the oak trees and chaparral to the place where images appear in kaleidoscopicsubstance, reassembling the past.

I see our daughter Cindy in the last seconds of her life, our entire family gathered at herbedside, saying goodbye in our individual ways. I see myself leaning down to kiss herforehead and I hear the whispery sobbing of her sister.

I imagine Cindy walking away, trailed by her life, free of the cancer that erodedher physiology.

She died at 1:25 on the morning of March 29th. It will forever haunt me that on theafternoon of her death there was a loud banging in the room, enough to shake the house,a thumping four times somewhere on the roof or around us or everywhere.

We all heard it and tried to find a reasonable source but there was none. I’ve had otherspooky moments, but this was beyond explanation. The fact that there were four thumpsreminded me that I used to joke with Cindy in the silliness of our rapport that the answerto anything was always four. And I wonder now if somewhere she was granted ethereal timeto acknowledge that.

If there is a substance to the notion of spiritual contact it might have occurred then. Andwhile you will not find me chanting and banging tambourines, you will find me staring andwondering.

Autumn makes one more aware of nature, of things that grow and things that live, a cyclein the seasons that calls upon us to remember that we are all interlocking pieces of theuniverse, each depending on the other for our existence.

Flowers that avoid the ebullience of spring bloom in the graying tones of an autumnmorning, and small animals scurry through the shrubbery, animated by an instinct thatis almost a dance to the shortening days of the year’s fading months.

There is life everywhere in autumn and music too if you listen carefully, emerging froma hum that is the foley of film-makers, the background sounds that affirm life’s vitality: themurmur of traffic floating up from the boulevard, the barking of a dog, the flutter of birds,the distant voices of humanity fragmented and reassembled in the misty air.

I guess I am this way today because a week ago I became suddenlydisconnected with my life, not knowing where I was or why and beingtold later that I had probably suffered a minor stroke. With that, a badheart and a lung disease called COPD I am abruptly aware of my ownmortality. I suck in life like energy through a straw and rise to remem-ber how much beauty is contained in its essence.

Autumn is the mother of seasons, and I am one of its children.

Al Martinez is a Pulitzer Prize winning essayist, author of a dozen books,an Emmy-nominated creator of prime time television shows, a travelwriter, humorist and general hell-raiser. Try him. He’s addictive.almartinez.org/wordpress

AL MARTINEZ

BUSINESS IDENTITY (Logos & Trademarks)

MARKETING & CAPABILITIES BROCHURES

ADS & PRODUCT CATALOGS

NEWSLETTERS & PUBLICATIONS

PRESS KITS & ADVERTISING COLLATERAL

PACKAGING DESIGN

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT MANAGEMENT


CROWE VALUE DOLLARS

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT DELIVER BOTTOM LINE RESULTS

CALL ED CROWE!

818.883.3374

HERE’S YOUR ECONOMIC INCENTIVE $50 OFF

If you were waiting for the right time to do your next marketing projectNOW IS THE TIME! Get $50 OFF on jobs estimated at $500 or more.

KNOWLEDGE BASE

What’s a Triple Net LeaseA triple net lease is only one of many commercial

leasing options. In a gross lease, the lessee paysrent while the landlord takes care of everything else.Most people who rent their homes are familiar withthe terms of a gross lease, as this type of lease iscommonly used for residential properties. In a doublenet lease, the landlord assumes some of the costsof property upkeep. In a double net lease, landlordscommonly cover parking, heating and coolingsystems, and the structural integrity of the building.

The triple net lease is sometimes called a truenet lease, because the landlord usually has no respon-sibilities related to building upkeep. For this reason,many commercial landlords favor triple net leasingoptions. The building can generate a high level ofincome while the tenant keeps it in good condition,generally making improvements as well. The tenanthas many of the advantages of ownership, includingcontrol over the property, without the substantialcapital investment that a new acquisition represents.

A triple net lease can be risky for a landlord. Sometenants may not be able to pay fees, or may allowthe building to fall into disrepair. In extreme cases, atenant may deliberately damage a building to collectinsurance money. For this reason, some triple netleases include a reserve fund. The tenant makesregular payments into the reserve fund, which canbe used to cover essential repairs in the eventof emergency.

A triple net lease is individualized to the tenantand lessor. The terms of the contract may containrestrictions and stipulations to protect both parties.In some instances, for example, the terms of the leasemay include a cap on total property taxes to be paidby the tenant. If the property taxes rise above a certainamount, the landlord will be responsible for coveringthe remainder. Protections may also be built in tocope with rising insurance rates or unexpectedmaintenance costs.

When considering lease options as a landlord ortenant, the full terms of the lease should always beread before committing. In the case of a triple netlease, make sure that all the terms are clear andagreed upon by both parties. Consulting a lawyerwho specializes in real estate is an excellent idea.

Sidewalk Repair ProgramOn Wednesday, Oct. 19, a joint meeting of

the Public Works and Budget and FinanceCommittees discussed the “Point-Of-Sale”sidewalk ordinance, and the question ofreturning responsibility for sidewalk repairback to the property owner. This had been theCity’s policy prior to 1973, in accordance withthe “1911 Act.”

The Bureau of Street Services presentedseven options for the City’s sidewalk repairprogram, including one to “do nothing.”

To replace all the City’s sidewalks would costapproximately $1.5 billion. For the past twoyears, the City has budgeted $0 for sidewalkrepairs and has only fixed sidewalks on anemergency basis (applying asphalt to raisedsidewalks).

I voiced my opposition to the City abandoningresponsibility for repairing sidewalks, andmaking property owners liable for "trip and fall"incidents. Building, repairing and maintainingsidewalks fits squarely in the City's core infra-structure services for taxpayers, and the Citymust figure out a way to provide the service.

Simply abandoning responsibility does notabsolve the City of actual liability, and if theCity is sued in "trip and falls," courts couldstill hold the City liable.

I also strongly opposed a “Point of Sale”program because it would further damage thealready damaged housing market at the worstpossible time.

Of the seven options in the report, I said I wasonly open to exploring two of them, and onlyafter a significant outreach effort: A bond torepair sidewalks across the City, needing voterapproval; and an individual property ownerassessment. This would be similar to a lightingdistrict, so that those who desire would be ableto pay off the sidewalk repair costs on theirproperty tax bill over time.

I also expressed frustration at the Bureau ofStreet Services for not conducting sufficientoutreach to home and property owners, andcalled on them to report back with an outreachplan similar to the over 70 community meetingsconducted by the Bureau of Sanitation for theSewer Service Charge increase.

All of these items were held in Committee for60 days until the Bureau of Street Servicesreports back.

FROM COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

First Annual Non Profit SummitCD12 is proud to launch the First Annual

Non-Profit Summit to help community-basedorganizations, non-profit organizations,charities and schools build stronger partner-ships to move our community forward, onMonday, Nov. 7 in Northridge.

We will provide tools and resources forbuilding stronger partnerships, and eachattendee will be invited to share informationabout their organization and its activities.

Monday, Nov. 7,10:00 am to 11:30 amDevonshire PALS8721 Wilbur Ave., Northridge

We will be featuring L.A. Shares, a web-based philanthropic organization that takesdonations of new and gently used goodsfrom the local business community andindividuals, and distributes them for free toLos Angeles-based schools and non-profitorganizations. Over the past 11 years, L.A.Shares has redistributed over $80,000,000worth of goods and materials to over 2,500local organizations and schools!

All community-based organizations, schoolsand charities in Council District 12 are invitedto attend the Summit.

For more information contact:Semee Park at (818) 756-8501 or byemail to [email protected].

FAMILY FESTIVAL Nov. 5 Victory & OwensmouthFUN • GAMES • MUSIC • ARTS & CRAFTS • AND MUCH MORE!


What is Día de los Muertos (Day Of The Dead)?

Every November 1 (All Saints Day) and November 2(All Souls Day) Día de los Muertos Festivals are heldthroughout Mexico. This tradition began in the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico and Central America andgrew from the belief that the souls of the dead returneach year to visit with their relatives, just as they didwhen they were living.

Offering altars (ofrendas) feature traditional food drinkof the season, including mole, pipian, tamales, breadbacked especially for this occasion (pan del Día delos Muertos), handicrafts made from sugar, paper,clay, bread dough and other material. The marigold(cempazuchitl) is considered the flower of the deadbecause of its penetrating perfume and vibrant color.Copal incense is traditionally burned, the pungentand copious smoke lifting prayers to heaven.

Other symbols included sugar skull-shaped candiesand sweets, papier mache skeletons and skulls.

Traditional elements of Día de los Muertos andtheir significance are:

WaterThe deceased return thirsty and drink water

CandlesTo light the path

IncenseTo send the bad spirits away

FoodFor loved ones who have passed on

BelongingsObjects of value used or cherished by them during life

Funds raised will enable the district’s on-going marketingand promotion efforts, landscaping and maintenanceactivities and business attraction and retention programs.All of which are directed toward making Canoga Park amore attractive place to live, work and shop.

Día de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life and Cultural Tradition

BE PART OF IT!

Main Street Canoga Park invites you to be part of this cultural community-building eventin Old Town Center Canoga Park. Sponsoring organizations take pride in supporting communityprograms and events dedicated to promoting the arts, diversity, community development, andyouth education.

The mission of the Canoga Park Día de los Muertos (The Day Of The Dead) Festival is to benefitCanoga Park by raising funds to increase the visibility of the Canoga Park retail district.

Looking east along the Sherman Way corridor in Old Town Center Canoga Park.

Ed Crowe / Día de los Muertos Festival 2008

SUNDAY, NOV. 6

Looking Back and Ahead on Redevelopment ReformBy Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield

California entered 2011 with an 18-month, $26.6 billion budget gap - a substantial sum consideringlast year’s budget was $86.5 billion. With partisan gridlock keeping new revenues out of reach to helpbalance the state’s books, passing a budget involved making many tough but necessary choices about ourspending priorities.

As Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I reviewed every part of thebudget to determine what to cut, eliminate, and reform to restoreCalifornia’s financial stability. The decision to reform redevelopment andcurb wasteful spending by redevelopment agencies (RDAs) put on thestate’s tab was among the most controversial.

Over 60 years ago, the Legislature established a process for cities orcounties to declare an area blighted and in need of redevelopment. Afterthis declaration, a portion of property tax revenues go to redevelopmentactivities instead of local governments, public safety, and schools. Due tovoter-approved constitutional protections for education funding, the statemust replace property tax dollars that would otherwise go to schools. With

redevelopment growing to consume 12% of property tax revenue, the state budget was on the hook for a$2 billion subsidy.

While redevelopment is extremely important, audits revealed some local governments were misusingthese funds. All of the City of Coronado was declared "blighted” and became a redevelopment zone, evenits multi-million dollar homes by the ocean. Calexico’s City Council, also the local RDA board, authorizeda $1.75 million loan to itself in 1993 and never repaid it.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg. Palm Desert spent $16.7 million in RDA funds to upgradea luxury golf course. Hercules used RDA affordable housing funds to hire a lobbyist. Montebello spent$31 million on—among other things—fancy dinners in Las Vegas, golf, and embroidered polo shirts.

All of this was paid for, in part, by your state tax dollars.

While the governor proposed eliminating redevelopment, I pushed for reform instead because redevelop-ment can help create jobs and revitalize local economies. Under the new framework that I authored, RDAsmay continue operating but must assume a greater role in restoring school funds. This will help reducewasteful RDA spending.

Cities and RDAs have sued to overturn the new program, which is now on hold pending a review by theState Supreme Court. In the meantime, important local projects—like repurposing the old Canoga ParkLibrary into a child development clinic—are at a standstill.

I encourage reform opponents to rethink their views. At a time when state budget cuts will cause 70 stateparks to close, tuition at our state colleges and universities to double and public libraries to lose half oftheir funding, it’s difficult to contemplate why redevelopment—with all of its demonstrated excess –should not share in some sacrifice.

In the meantime, I will push for new and creative budget solutions that help mitigate further painful cutsand protect investments in the future prosperity of our state—including a reformed redevelopment programfocused on critical community needs.

Yun J ChoiLani EmanuelAkram Ighani NamdarianDayna Matlin DestlerMerrilyn DuzyDiane Nelson GoldSylvia Hamilton GouldenAviva KramerClara BertaSteven LenchnerMorgan KariLynn Gertenbach

Valley Artist Studio TourThe San Fernando Valley Arts Council presented the 2011 Valley Artists Studio Tour. The Public

was invited to visit the studios of 24 local San Fernando Valley fine artists.On October 1 and 2, during this self-guided tour, art enthusiasts had theopportunity to meet the original artists to get a rare inside glimpse intotheir studios and buy directly from the creative source. The public was

encouraged to start collecting from their favorite Valley artists. This wasa ticketed event with proceeds going to local arts causes.

Kathleen Sterling of the Warner Center News, was honored at the VASTTour Reception 2011 as the first recipient of the Sterling Award inrecognition of her years of dedication and support to the Artsand Culture of the San Fernando Valley.

Two works from each of the following artists was on displayat the reception on September 10th, 17th and 24th.


The 12th Annual “Justice Armand Arabian Leaders In Public Service Awards” Luncheon,was held on Thursday, October 6th, to honor and celebrate the six 2011 honorees. The Hon.Armand Arabian has served as a member of the Supreme Court of California from 1990-1996.The luncheon took place at the Hilton Woodland Hills.

Congratulations to the 2011 Honorees!

“Bud” Brown, Community Leader

Fritz Coleman, Universal NBC Weathercaster

Tracy Cormier, US Homeland Security

Dr. Barbara Firestone, The HELP Group

Hon. Gregg Marcus, San Fernando Valley Retired Judge

Carmen Trutanich, LA City Attorney

Justice Armand ArabianLeaders In Public Service Awards

(L-R) Carmen Trutanich, LA City Attorney; Bud” Brown, Community Leader; Tracy Cormier, US Homeland Security;Justice Armand Arabian; Dr. Barbara Firestone, The HELP Group; Hon. Gregg Marcus, San Fernando ValleyRetired Judge; Fritz Coleman, Universal NBC Weathercaster; and Rickey Gelb, The Gelb Group.

HappyHalloween!

WESTHILLSFA

LLFEST

2011

SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE WEST VALLEY NEWS TO CONNECT BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY.

Tommy HollensteinFitz SuterEvans WebbCharles KnechtSusan MandersBarbara Katz BiermanMichael CulhaneBeth SummersAlisa GabrielleJulie KornblumBarbara TabachnickChristina Lynn Johnson

To learn more about The SFV Arts Council visit www.sfvartscouncil.com.

West Hills artist Christina Lynn JohnsonWest Hills artist Merrilyn Duzy

Harvey Branman / Photography As An Art


Anecdotes, Interviews,Bits & Pieces aboutWest Valley History.

By Ed Crowe, West Valley News

Following up with Russell Allen about the article published about the legacy of his family on the previousissue of this publication, brought up a number of historical events that sparkled the interest of his grandfatherHerbert W. Allen to move from Catalina Island to Owensmouth in 1916. The same year that he establishedH.W. Allen Sheet Metal and Plumbing in Owensmouth (renamed Canoga Park in 1931).

Russell Allen, doesn’t remember much about his grandfather because he wasvery young when he passed away. But like his brother Robert, both third generationAllens, he attended Taft High School, played football and baseball, and on weekendsaccompanied his father Lawrence “Larry” Allen to help around the shop. At age 19,after graduating from high school and trying to figure out what he wanted to do as acareer, he went to Seattle to visit his older brother Richard. He worked odd jobs untilhe landed a job at a large union plumbing company. Three years later he realizedthat if he was going to be a plumber, he would rather go back and ask his father fora job in the family business. He said yes, and Russell has been working for H. W.Allen Plumbing for the past 31 years. After his apprenticeship period he applied andearned his professional Journeyman plumbing license.

Because his father Lawrence (second generation) has long retired from the business, the future of H.W. AllenPlumbing, after 95 years in operation, is in the hands of the third and fourth generation of Allens. Trying toreview the early years of the business in 1916, the conversation with Russell touched upon the upcoming 100thanniversary of Canoga Park in 2012 and the founding of Owensmouth in 1912. What was going on at that time,that brought waves of people and his grandfather to the Valley and to Owensmouth in particular? It was water.The name of William Mulholland and the Los Angeles Aqueduct came up. Here is a little history.

William Mulholland was born in Belfast, Ireland, on September 11, 1855. At age 15, he left home and traveledfor six years while working as a seaman, lumberjack and store clerk. Mulholland came to Los Angeles in 1877.

In many ways, the career of William Mulhollandparalleled the rise of Los Angeles. Soon after arrivingin Los Angeles, he took a job as a ditch tender, orzanjero, with the Los Angeles City Water Company,a private company that supplied water to the city.Over the years, Mulholland rapidly promoted fromditch tender, to straw boss, to foreman. In 1902, theCity of Los Angeles bought the Los Angeles CityWater Company for $2 million abd founded the LosAngeles City Municipal Bureau of Water Works Supplyand Mulholland was officially named superintendent.

In the early 1800s, the City’s only water source wasthe Los Angeles River. The water was distributedthrough a crude system of dams, water wheels, andditches (or Zanjas). In 1860, the City built its firstdomestic water system, with a water wheel on themain ditch near College and Alameda Streets, and thefirst reservoir, a brick structure located in the plaza.By the 1880s, there were 10 zanjas covering 93 miles,all fed by the Zanja Madre, or “Mother Ditch.”

At the turn of the 20th century, Los Angeles’population climbed rapidly. Mulholland initially met the increasing water demand by expanding the Los AngelesRiver system, initiniating conservation efforts and looking elsewhere for new water sources. But he knew that ifLos Angeles was to grow to its potential, more water sources would be needed.

Then-mayor of Los Angeles, Fred Eaton, shared with Mulholland his vision of transporting water 233 milesfrom the Owens Valley to Los Angeles. This vision ultimately became Mulholland’s engineering masterpiece—the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Under Mulholland’s leadership, an army of 4,000 men labored from 1908-1913 tobuild the Los Angeles Aqueduct.

The aqueduct was regarded as a miracle of engineering because the water flows by gravity through 338 milesof pipeline, conduit, canals and tunnels to Los Angeles. This feat enabled the Department to produce low-costhydroelectric energy at 11 power plans along the route. The result is still a net gain of 1.2 billion kilowatt hoursof pollution-free hydroelectric power for the City.

On November 5, 1913, water from the Eastern Sierra Nevada came gushing down the cascades into the SanFernando Valley. With his characteristic brevity and modesty Mulholland said: “There it is; take it.” And that isexactly what Los Angeles did. It helped transform the San Fernando Valley in what it is today.

In 1912, land that comprised the former Workman ranch was purchased by the Los Angeles Suburban HomesCompany and subdivided. The new community was named Owensmouth in anticipation of water being broughtfrom the Owens Valley via Mulholland's aqueduct. The name was changed to Canoga Park in 1931. Opening dayfestivities for the new town of Owensmouth at the Janss Investment Company real estate sales office, took placeon March 30, 1912.

The news about the booming town of Owensmouth brought Herbert W. Allen and his young family to theValley in 1916. Years later his son Lawrence connected to Mulholland’s granddauther Catherine while attendingCanoga High School. A reunion of sorts took place in 2009 (see photo above), during the 95th anniversary ofCanoga Park celebration at the Canoga Park Community Center (former Fire Station #72). Herbert W. Allen wasthe first volunteer Fire Chief of the original Fire Station #72 on Remmet. There is definitely a connection betweenMulholland’s aqueduct, the Allen family, water from the Owens Valley, Fire Stations, and plumbing.

The Aqueduct that transformed the San Fernando Valley

Photo of the tenth anniversary in business of H.W. Plumbing established in 1916 and still in operation today.

Lawrence H. Allen and Catherine Mulholland, granddaughterof William Mulholland, graduated from Canoga Park HighSchool in 1940.

Catherine Mulholland, born in Los Angeles on April 8, 1923, she grew up on the 600-acre Mulholland family ranch in thewest San Fernando Valley with mother, Addie, the daughter of Calabasas homesteaders, and father, Perry, who was William'soldest son. She said her parents' desire for the best education made her an academic vagabond. She attended at least threedifferent elementary schools before going to North Hollywood Junior High School and Marlborough School for Girls. Shegraduated from Canoga Park High School in 1940. She passed away earlier this year at age 88.

Herbert W. Allen in 1926

Soon you will be able to FLASH your vBizEx™ and SAVE!


Subscribe to the West Valley News

818.883.3374

FREE12 ELECTRONIC ISSUES

PER YEAR

CALABASAS

CANOGA PARK

CHATSWORTH

RESEDA

TARZANA

WEST HILLS

WINNETKA

WOODLAND HILLS

Get local business and community news at yourcomputer screen. Visit us online to sign-up todayat www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

ShopRESEDA – $25 every 25thEvery 25th of the month, join your neighbors in supporting local business, with “Spend $25 every 25thin Reseda.” By spending your money in Reseda, statistics indicate that approximately $.45 of each dollarspent remains in Reseda via businesses improvement and tax revenue returning to our community.The more of our spending we shift to inside Reseda, the more tax revenue returns for street repairs,park improvements, and infrastructure improvements!

Over 30 businesses are offering special Discount Coupons. Go to www.resedacouncil.org orwww.facebook.com/RNC.FB for more information.

Find copies of the West Valley Newsat THE RACK now featuring Rock & Roll Pizza

6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd. #215at the Westfield Promenade Mall(next to the AMC Theaters)

or online at www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Jon Geiger is an Athletic Conditioning Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He has guided countlessathletes of all ages and levels, performers and regular folks of all shapes and sizes to achievements in performance,and rehabilitation of chronic physical issues while growing their will and self-belief towards manifesting change.Jon utilizes the application of elite techniques creatively integrating multiple disciplines.He is the founder of Geiger’s No Limits Training and The Academy at Geiger’s No Limits (A Training Academydevoted to Sport-Specific Conditioning for the Young Athlete). To learn more visit www.geigersnolimits.com.Jon is now based in the West Valley and proudly calls it both his home and community. He would love to hearfrom you, and can be reached at [email protected]

BODY TRAPSHi all, I hope that the impending fall weather canserve as a call-to-arms. This is an opportunity toboth create and advance habits which can be reliedupon come winter. Winter…you know, the monthswhere no one looks at you funny when you wear14 layers of flannel, a sweatshirt, elastic waist-banded pants and say; “make that cheeseburgera double, it’s cold out there!”

Let’s talk about “body traps”, this is when we getin our own way by not recognizing that there arework-around solutions. Sometimes we humanbeings have a great capacity to simply allow thewhite flag to wave, we give up fighting for a newthought on an old or existing challenge. Let’sconfront and change that right now.

Here are some examples of body traps which arethe step right before “so I can’t... (fill in the blank)”:

– “ I have a knee (or other chronic injury) so I can’tdo aerobic/other work”

– “I loved team sports, but once they becameunavailable after high school/college I foundmyself without the motivation so I can’t exerciseregularly.”

– “I try over and over again but I never get past thepoint of such-and-such weight loss/running thismany miles/fitting into this pair of jeans and thenI just end up eating and back to where I started,so I can’t change myself…so what’s the point

starting again.”

…anything sound vaguely familiar? We all havedone it, or have the capacity to do it(in manydifferent spheres of life), so no one is exempt.I have empathy. Empathy, however, does notencompass enabling. I offer this; reach for differentthoughts. Here are some examples for the above:

•Have someone professional examine your formto see if a change in technique could unload yourchronic issue and thus allow work. Also, examinework which may be uncharted experiences: kneeissue? Swim. Shoulder issue? Dance or playsoccer (European’s insist on calling it football).

•Exercise in a group setting singularly, thussharing the comraderie; think martial arts, yoga.

•Get over it. Sorry, but why should the richness ofachievement be expected to come the first, or first12 attempts-this is how you know something isimportant to you…did you marry the first personyou dated? It’s not how many times you getknocked down, it’s how many times you get up.Remember; talent sets the floor, character setsthe ceiling. Tough love is still love.

I hope that this gives you something to think about,perhaps in a different manner…look at it asrewiring the house that lives between your ears.

Feel pride in what you do and ‘til next time…be good to yourself and believe, for if you do,you have No Limits…

No Limits Fitnesswith Jon Geiger

“We Love Canoga Park” Annual CelebrationContinuing with the tradition, the Canoga Park Neighborhood Council in cooperation with the Canoga Park

Improvement Association and the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce, sponsored the annual “WeLove Canoga Park,” on Thursday, October 20, 2011 behind Woodland Printing in Old Town Center Canoga Park.The event was well attended by local stakeholders.

The event coincides with Woodland Printing ownerMichael Sirota’s birthday. In addition to the great foodand cake catered by Berc’s, guests and Michael weretreated to a special "Bon anniversaire !" sang byCorinne Ho’s little girl in French.

Spiritual self worth, identity and freedomExplore the possibilitiesPeople today yearn for feelings of worthiness and self-respect in order to cope with challenging

and disappointing lives. International speaker Rob Gilbert says, “Spiritual self worth heals andtransforms human character and puts worthiness on a secure basis.”

Gilbert will present a talk titled, “Spiritual self-worth heals and transforms human character”on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.at DAV, 6543 Corbin Avenue, Woodland Hills.“It requires something more than human will tobring about needed change and silence a deepdiscontent with our lives,” says Gilbert. “Thislecture will explore how understanding ourspiritual nature encourages and empowers us toassert our God-given dominion and to embracethe natural worth of being a child of God.”

Gilbert's ideas are based on the teachings ofJesus as recorded in the Bible, and as discussedin Science and Health with Key to the Scripturesby Mary Baker Eddy.

Practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing, Rob Gilbert, has a Master of Theology degreefrom Boston University School of Theology, where he majored in Biblical Studies. While serving asa chaplain in the United States Army, he had a variety of assignments including military prisons,hospitals, and a tour of duty in Viet Nam. He has worked closely with clergy from a variety of faithbackgrounds while in the military ministry. Rob retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Gilbert is a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. He travels from his home inUpland, California, USA.

For more information about the Nov. free public lecture, call Joan Brown at 818-996-5456 oremail to [email protected].

award those who set an example of how to domore with less,” said Commission PresidentGalperin. “The Commission is very pleased tocall attention to projects that reflect forward-thinking, cost-savings, quality City servicesand teamwork.”

The selection process consisted of theCommission’s review of three dozen applicationsfrom departments Citywide, said AwardsCommittee Chairman and Commission VicePresident, Ed Young. The Commissioners thenconducted site visits of the semi-finalists,followed by the final selection of the 11 projectswhich saved the City money, leveraged existingresources and/or enhanced customer service.

On Friday Oct. 14, a reception in honor of theawardees, and open to the public, took place inthe rotunda of City Hall. The gathering featuredlight refreshments from City’s Hall’s recently-opened Homeboy Diner — a venture of the non-profit Homeboy Industries, which assists at-riskand formerly gang involved youth to becomepositive and contributing members of society. At10 a.m., awardees were presented with certifi-cates of recognition in City Council Chambers.—The City of Los Angeles Quality & Productivity Commissionis a 15-member volunteer commission dedicated to improv-ing the responsiveness, efficiency, and quality of servicesdelivered by the City of Los Angeles to the public. For moreinformation visit: www.quality.lacity.org.

Quality & Productivity CommissionContinued from Page 1


Editor’s Note: Chapter 5 will continue with It’s All About Focus on the next issue of the West Valley News.

Strategic Business OwnersContinued from Page 5

Having trouble thinking big? Ask yourself bigger questions!

• Why does our enterprise exist?

• If our business were shut down, what would be missing in this world?

• What is our crusade? What could be our crusade?

• How do we engage the hearts, minds and souls of our employees?

• How can we make our company great, meaningful and different?

• How can we change our industry, community, and even the world?

• How can we measurably improve the lives of customers?

• How can we make our employees and their families’ lives better and more fulfilling?

• What higher calling or spiritual dimension can we embrace?

After listening to others for two weeks and thinking deeply yourself for two weeks, a vision for your companyshould be coming into focus. Bottom line, this vision should help your employees and yourself re-acquire thefire and passion for your company’s direction and purpose.

Selling the Vision

Once you establish a vivid image of your desired future business, you then must share continually andpassionately this dream with your team. After all, a vision without execution is a hallucination. Now, see yourselfas the Chief Enthusiasm Officer or Chief Storytelling Officer as you must effectively sell the direction of yourcompany.

Don’t be afraid to sell emotionally. Again, you must win hearts, minds and wills. People change when theirfeelings change, not when their thoughts change. Make them feel differently. Help them feel what you feel—your passion, hope and optimism. Help them want what you want. You must translate the vision into real termsand achievable steps. You must transfer a picture of your vision into the hearts, minds and souls of youremployees.

Time to start selling the vision, telling the story. From hereon out, it’s not only what you say, it’s how yousay it that matters. Be dramatic and be memorable with your talks on the vision. Use a combination of facts,emotions, stories, pictures and symbols to get your point across. Don’t worry; you cannot over-communicateyour vision. Your employees deserve and crave to know your heart’s desires. Keep them informed, involved andinspired. Be a persuasive storyteller. Let employees know what you see in the future regarding your company’s:

• Competitive position• Sales and profit trends• Market share penetration• Number of employees• Number of locations• Geographic reach• Type of customers/clients served• Dominant niches• Industry standing• Product/service innovations• Sales and marketing processes• Structure, business systems, work flow• Strategic alliances• Office environment

Get everyone to see and move toward this ideal business model. Such clarity eliminates confusion and wastedtime and energy. Once everyone knows the vision, they will have an internal blueprint to guide their daily behav-iors and decisions. It is easier for your team to grasp and move toward a clearly communicated vision than acold, impersonal, 40-page strategic plan. Facts do not flame faith. A compelling vision (business story) willstoke the fires of faith and passion.

You aren’t a charismatic leader you say. You don’t need to be! Pick a leadership style that works for you. Youcan be introverted and still be effective. However, you must have imagination to dream and see, taste, and feelthe vision. You must be an effective communicator to share this compelling future. You must be a storyteller inorder to sell your vision, sell the hope. You must have unswerving conviction and enthusiasm for the dream. Donot be afraid to use metaphors, stories or symbols to shorten the communication path. For example, if you seeyour company as nimble, fast and competitive, consider using a shark or cheetah to make your point easier tounderstand.

While communicating the vision to others, never underestimate the influence of your actions. Put bluntly, youractions speak louder than your words. How you spend your money, allocate your time and resources say morethan any words. Are your actions in alignment with your vision? Your employees know this. In fact, they knowwhere your heart is by following where your wallet is and where your time is spent. For example, if your visionincludes having superior customer service yet you cut corners or do not pay for your employees to be properlytrained in such matters, do you think they will embrace your vision? No. Put your money and your attentionwhere your vision is.

In addition to sharing your vision, you must be adroit at developing systems and organizational structure thatsupport this vision. In short, you must be a business architect. While the vision is the foundation of your busi-ness, you must be able to build the walls, roof, plumbing system, etc. Your marketing, selling, operations, andinfrastructure must align with your vision. As stated earlier, after you define the business, your managers shouldhelp develop the system, and your employees should run the system.

And lastly, consider sharing your vision externally with your business advisers, investors, suppliers, and cus-tomers. Be proud of your vision and let everyone know you are a dynamic, focused, energized organization. Themore they are aligned with your business, the more powerful your company.

FREE Business CounselingSBA SCORE Program

Call the Chamber Office to schedule an appointment withDon Doner/Senior SCORE Counselor

818.884.42225 Tips on Advertising Basics• Be consistent in your ad message and style including business cards, letterhead, envelopes, invoices,signs and banners.

• Newspapers, radio and TV stations are helpful in producing the advertising that you will be running with them.• While word-of-mouth advertising has been around a long time, it usually falls short of being able to attractthe number of customers needed to be successful in business.

• Promote benefits rather than features. A benefit is the emotional satisfaction your product or service provides,or a tangible performance characteristic.

• Know your competitors. Knowing everything about your competitors is just as important as knowing everythingabout your own business.

Counselors to America’s Small Business

WHAT’S ON YOUR LIST?

818.883.3374 www.crowemarketingdesign.comHelping Small Valley Businesses Increase Sales and Prosper

ADVERTISING DESIGN / MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS / NEW MEDIA

FROM COUNCILMEMBER ZINE'S WEEKLY UPDATE

Mecca Park Grand OpeningCouncilman Zine was joined by the Department of Recreation & Parks, the Tarzana Neighborhood Council,

the Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce, and neighbors from near and far for the grand opening ofMecca Park this past Monday. The 4,120 square foot vacant lot was generously donated to the City andCouncilman Zine and his staff worked hard to make the park a reality, allocating CD3 Quimby Funds to realizethe project. Mecca Park was constructed at the urging of the community and designed by the community tobeautify this highly traveled intersection. The once unkempt parcel was transformed into an attractive pocketpark that includes short walking paths, a dry river bed, and a diverse array of drought-resistant Californianative plants.

Special thanks to our guest speakers including: Kathy Delle Donne, Vice President of the TarzanaNeighborhood Council; Lynn Alvarez, Vice President of the Board of Recreation & Parks Commission; and JonKirk Mukri, General Manager of the Department of Recreation & Parks. Special commendation goes to severalcommunity members that spent numerous volunteer hours to provide important feedback for this project includ-ing Linda Marrone, Gail Webster, and Stacey Perlman. We encourage you to visit this great neighborhood openspace project located at 5250 Mecca Ave. in Tarzana.

On Thursday, Nov.10th, hundreds of small businesses and community leaders from across the state will be invited to gatherin the City of Angels for our flagship event of the year—the 7th Annual Small Business GALA Awards Dinner ofRecognitions.

The event recognizes and honors a small, minority or woman-owned business for their accomplishments in growing theirbusiness through access and visibility from its participation and involvement, as part of their Regional Black Chamber ofCommerce membership. It also spotlights community involvement recognizing those outstanding persons, small businesses,community volunteers, Government Agency, Majority Corporation, Financial Institution, and Pioneers who came before us tohelp move and improve our economy—in everyday life for their community, families and the businesses, they serve.

The First African American Female Judge in California appointed by the Former Governor Pat Brown, the Honorable VainoSpencer Judge/Esq ex-officio, will be honored with the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award, and The Legendary Della Reese,Singer, Actress, Entertainer, and Minister, ie..Touch by an Angel, Harlem Nights,"Distinquished Gentlemen", Beauty Shop,A-Team, Designing Women, Full House, L.A. Law, MacGyver, 227, Josephine, Ain't Misbehaving, and more…

Other VIP Guests are: Acclaimed Actor/ Director Bill Duke, Coach Ken Carter, Greg Walker from Icon Group Santana.Prior Honorees were: The Whispers, Famed Actor/Director OBBA Babatunde', Sheryl Lee Ralph,Ja'net DuBois, Kristoff St John, Cuba Gooding Sr, Willard Pugh *(Color Purple)

Date: Thursday, November 10, 2011 Time: 6pm Red Carpet VIP Reception / 7pm Awards

The Ritz Carlton/ Special Entry @ JW Marriott – L A Live 900 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90015

RBCC 7th Annual Small Business GALA Awards Dinner of Recognitions

FROM COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

Clarification on Sewer Service Charge...As you may know, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, the City Council unani-

mously approved the Bureau of Sanitation (BOS) request for a 4.5%increase in the Sewer Service Charge (SSC) for the first three years anda 6.5% for each of the seven remaining years to make crucial infrastruc-ture improvements.The increase gives Sanitation more long-term ability to bond in order

to support their construction program to replace aging and crumblingCity sewers that are already beyond their useful life and to maintain theCity's Clean Water Program infrastructure. The Clean Water Programincludes Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant, all our pumping stationsand our sanitary sewer system.

This is necessary to comply with the settlement of an environmental lawsuit from the 1990srequiring $1 billion worth of infrastructure improvements to prevent sewage spills. Sewage spillshave been reduced by 80% since that work started.The SSC increase allows Sanitation to immediately resume improving, upgrading and replacing

infrastructure, which was on hold because of a three-year freeze on the SSC.The approved plan includes expansion of the surcharge that funds a subsidy for low-income resi-

dents, which is required by the Clean Water Act. It also eliminates the exemption of the capitalcomponent for public agencies so that they are now required to pay their fair share. 25 vacant posi-tions in the Clean Water Program will also be eliminated to help contain costs.In the Oct. 19 Council meeting, I instructed City staff to make information on sub-meter installa-

tion and benefits available to all ratepayers; to require sub-meters on all new single-family homesbuilt; and to contact the County Assessor's office about adding loans for the sewer connection pro-gram to the Property Tax Bill, so that they could be paid off over time, as they are with lighting dis-tricts.I also clarified that the increase is only on the water that is used inside the home, not the water

used for irrigation. The department already subtracts from the SSC the water used for landscape irri-gation because most of that percolates into the groundwater, rather than the sewer.Also, the SSC is assessed by averaging the lowest two-month period of use over the winter sea-

son - a time when most residents are watering their properties the least. (Remeber to turn off yoursprinklers when it rains.) It is based on an estimate, not actual use. Installing a sub-meter willmeasure the exact amount of domestic water use versus landscape irrigation use.The department also said that they will make individual adjustments based on extenuating circum-

stances, such as an emergency draining and replacement of pool water.According to the department, the increase will amount to approximately $2 a month for the average

customer. Simple water conservation practices such as turning off the faucet while brushing yourteeth, or not leaving the water running while washing dishes can go a long way to help mitigate thisincrease.For information on how to install a sub-meter and how to apply for a sub-meter rebate, please visit

http://www.lacitysan.org/fmd/pdf/submtrres.pdf.

MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON

Congressmen Miller and Sherman Praise Bi-PartisanSenate Approval of Higher Conforming Loan LimitsSenate Passes the Menendez/Isakson Amendment to RestoreHigher Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA Loan LimitsRepublican Congressman Gary G. Miller (R-CA) and Democratic

Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), both senior members of the HouseFinancial Services Committee, praised the Senate for passage of the

Menendez/Isakson Amendment reinstating higher limits on loans made in high-cost areas that arepurchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (GSEs) or that are insured by the Federal HousingAdministration (FHA).

In 2008, Congressmen Miller and Sherman were successful in a bi-partisan effort to create a high-cost area conforming loan limit, which allowed for higher loan limits in areas that have median homeprices above $417,000. Those limits, which were set at 125 percent of the area median home price,capped at $729,750, expired on September 30, 2011, and the formula for calculating each area’s loanlimit dropped overnight from 125 to 115 percent of the area median home price. The maximum loanlimit also decreased from $729,750 to $625,500. The Menendez/Isakson Amendment, which passedthe Senate by a vote of 60-38, restored the conforming loan limits to their pre-Sept. 30, 2011 levels.

“I am extremely pleased that the Senate has recognized the importance of reinstating higher mort-gage loan limits to stabilizing our nation’s housing market,” said Congressman Miller. “Allowing theloan limits to be reduced while private mortgage capital remains scarce has made it increasingly diffi-cult for potential homebuyers in California and other high-cost areas to obtain mortgage credit. Thisreduction in credit availability comes at the worst possible time for our housing market. Housing isvital to our nation’s economic recovery, and we must reinstate the loan limits. I will continue to workwith my colleagues in the House to send this extension to the President’s desk as soon as possible.Without it, our fragile economic recovery will be dealt a devastating blow.”

“The Senate has taken a positive step to help housing prices, and I am committed to doingeverything I can to push the House to support restoring the higher conforming loan limits,” saidCongressman Sherman. “Increased conforming loan limits are critical to supporting current housingprices and our overall economic recovery, and they don’t cost the government a dime.”

In May of this year Congressmen Miller and Sherman introduced H.R. 1754, the Preserving EqualAccess to Mortgage Finance Programs Act, legislation that makes the higher conforming loan limitspermanent.

FROM COUNCILMEMBER ZINE'S WEEKLY UPDATE

Councilman Zine Tackles Fraud, Waste, and AbuseThe L.A. City Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a measure

authored by Councilman Zine which would require employees to report allinstances of fraud, waste or abuse to a unit in the Controller’s office. Until now,employees were "expected," but not required, to report allegations of wrongdo-ing, an expectation that was often unfulfilled. Councilman Zine continues toexplore new policies which will make employees accountable for all taxpayermonies. Requiring employees to report any suspicion of abuse will allow for thecreation of a central housing unit of these types of complaints, helping the poli-cymakers to cross reference and identify any similar issues in other depart-ments. The ordinance will come back by the end of the year with a clear defini-tion of 'fraud, waste, and abuse', as well as language to mandate periodic train-ing on fraud, waste, and abuse for all employees. At the end of the meeting,

Councilman Zine also introduced an amendment asking the Personnel Department to report on any type ofincentive program that could be established to encourage employees come forward with any sort of misconductthey may be witness to.

Back to POSSE TrainingCouncilman Zine was pleased by the great turnout of prospective POSSE members at Tuesday’s meeting with

over 70 people who showed up to participate, bringing the total number of POSSE members trained to over 500.The purpose of the meeting was to introduce community members to the POSSE program, which stands forPeople Organizing for Safe, Secure Environments. The POSSE was established in 2001 by Councilman Zine andaims to educate constituents on City Services and provide training from a variety of City Departments on how toreport such things as illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, potholes, building & safety violations, graffiti, fallentree branches, and nuisances in the community.

CD3 well represented at West Hills Fall Fest 2011


A WORD FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Blumenfield Praises New Cell Phone Guidelinesto Protect Consumers

Assemblymember Blumenfield applauds the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) announcement that the wireless industry’s code ofconduct will now include various obligations to confront “bill shock,”including an obligation to notify consumers at risk of exceeding cell planlimits or incurring international roaming charges.

“This agreement is great news for consumers,” said Blumenfield.“It will help create a much needed standard for the wireless industry toprovide consumers with information to avoid bill shock. I look forward toseeing this agreement implemented effectively to ensure that consumersare treated fairly.”

Blumenfield introduced legislation this year, Assembly Bill (AB) 1268, requiring wireless providersto alert California consumers at risk of reaching their usage maximum for data, voice, or text—themost common source of bill shock. He agreed to postpone moving his bill in order to give the FCC,consumer advocates, and the wireless industry time to negotiate an agreement like the one justannounced.

According to a 2010 Consumer Reports survey, one in five Americans experienced bill shock, overthe past year. An extreme example of bill shock cited by the FCC during the announcement of thisagreement included a woman slapped with a cell phone bill exceeding $34,000 for international dataand texting charges while visiting her sister in Haiti after the 2009 earthquake.

Further information about Blumenfield’s AB 1268 is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.

(L-R) Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield, Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber President Jack Dawson, and CD12Councilmember Mitch Englander, during the West Hills Fall Fest 2011 on Sunday, October 2, at the FieldsMarket parking lot in West Hills.



Business Education/Workshops

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPSPre-registration is required because space is limited.

For information or to RSVP, call (661) 362-5900 or email [email protected] to register.To register online visit www.cocsbdc.org.

HELPING ENTREPRENEURS SUCCESSFULLY START, BUILD AND GROW THEIR BUSINESS

INSTANT SAVINGS!vBizEx™ is a business exchange and value card program—with value-added benefits—for chambers of commerceand participating members.

Participating national and local retailers as well as serviceproviders and other merchants, will offer special groupdiscounts to vBizEx™ card holders.

Soon you will beable to FLASHyourvBizEx™and instantly SAVE!

YOUR NAME HERE 08/31/11

THE vBizEx™ PERSONALIZED FLASH CARD

Chamber of commerce members who opt-in formembership in the vBizEx™ Value Card program,will receive a low-tech “show and receive” card ratherthan a card that accrues points for a future reward.It is called a “flash card” because the customer justneeds to flash the card to receive the discount orother incentive on their purchase. Carrying thevBizEx™ card reminds the chamber member of thevalue they can instantly receive by doing businesswith a particular merchant.

Valley Business Exchange to launch vBizEx™program to bring additional value and savingsto Valley chamber of commerce membersEd Crowe, owner of Crowe Marketing Design since 1986 and publisher of the West Valley News since 2004,

will soon launch vBizEx™ under the umbrella of Valley Business Exchange, Inc. Crowe's vision for a businessexchange and value card program for San Fernando Valley-based businesses—in the incubator since 2007—is getting closer to becoming a reality in 2011.

“The San Fernando Valley with a diverse population of nearly 2 million and a community of more than 70,000registered businesses, represents a significant marketing base for national and local merchants. It also offersmany opportunities for business growth and increased sales.” Crowe says.

“The Valley has a number of organizations and individuals who are doing a great job in the areas of politicaladvocacy, land use development, business attraction, job creation, job training, and other employment relatedactivities.” He adds.

Local chambers of commerce do a good job—with limited resources—to provide opportunities for localbusiness members to network and develop strategic partnerships to increase sales. However, the number ofoperating businesses, in a particular community, that are members of a local chamber of commerce is relativelysmall—less than 10 percent. More opportunities for local business to business exchange are needed.Chambers of commerce need more value-added benefits to retain and increase their membership rosters.

The vBizEx™ Program will create added value to chamber of commerce membership. It will generate savingsfor participating business members and their employees. It will provide a large marketing base for national andlocal retailers and service providers. Local participating chambers of commerce will have the opportunity togenerate an additional revenue stream from vBizEx™ annual membership fees. Selected community-buildingevents will also receive support as well as some local non-profits. According to Crowe.

Stay tuned for additional information and news about the launch date for vBizEx.™ Ed Crowe's vision is aboutto become reality. If you are a merchant or service provider, interested in participating in the vBizEx™ program,please contact Ed Crowe at (818) 883-3374 direct or via email at [email protected].

All VEDC workshops at:

VEDC (Valley Economic Development Center)5121 Van Nuys Blvd. 3rd Floor, Van Nuys, CAContact 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

For additional information about fees and locations, visit: www.vedc.org

Tuesday, October 4 – October 25Online Skills for Small Business Series7pm – 9pm FREEVEDC

Wednesday, October 5All About Business Loans4pm – 5pm FREEVEDC

Tuesday, October 11Legal Issues for Small Businesses7pm – 9pm $10VEDC

Wednesday, October 12Business Plan Essentials4pm – 6pm $10VEDC

Thursday, October 13ETP Alumni Mentoring Group6pm – 8pm FREEVEDC

Saturday, October 15Business Survival in a Bad Economy9am – 4pm FREEVEDC

Wednesday, October 19All About Business Loans4pm – 5pm FREEVEDC

Wednesday, October 19Sales & Marketing4pm – 6pm $10VEDC

Wednesday, October 1916 Principles of Success in Business7pm – 9pm FREEVEDC

Tuesday, October 25Federal & State Payroll Tax Seminar9am – 3pm FREEVEDC

Wednesday, October 26QuickBooks Tutorial4pm – 6pm $10VEDC

LOW COST OR FREE WORKSHOPS BY VEDC

Valley Recycling Center Receives Dual Awards:San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s 2011 Family Business Awards Honoree,Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 HonoreeCHATSWORTH, CA — Valley Recycling Center, the Chatsworth-based recycling company that provides

environmental management and recycling services for businesses and individuals as well as documentshredding services, has been honored with dual awards.

The first award, from the San Fernando ValleyBusiness Journal, is the 2011 Family BusinessAwards Honoree. Fourteen honorees wereselected from 55 nominees. Honorees showedstrong financial performance and superior internalleadership. Additionally, they had family membersat various levels and were multi-generational.

Valley Recycling Center’s second award,Inc. magazine’s Inc. 5000, lists the company inits annual ranking of the fastest-growing privatecompanies in America. As an Inc. 5000 honoree,Valley Recycling Center shares a prominentdistinction with such notable alumni as Intuit,Zappos, Under Amour, Patagonia, and scoresof other corporate powerhouses.

“It is an honor to be recognized for both of theseprestigious awards,” said Sepand Samzadeh,(Photo left) CEO of Valley Recycling Center.

“At Valley Recycling Center we take pride in both our work and the environment. It is especially rewardingto be acknowledged by others for our efforts, leadership and integrity.”

Valley Recycling Center has more than 30 years’ experience serving Los Angeles and its surroundingbusiness communities. Valley Recycling Center provides unparalleled service, a professional and inno-vative approach, and a commitment to on-time service. Valley Recycling Center’s goal is to meet everyrecycling need, pay top market prices and help drive companies toward zero waste.

Valley Recycling Center is located at 20220 Plummer St, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Phone: (818) 885-7318 Web: www.valleyrecyclingcenter.com.

Monster Marketing Mistakes

Monster Marketing Mistakes may be hurting your business and costing you money! Find out if you are makingthese mistakes in your business by bringing and discussing your marketing, advertising and selling materials(business cards, flyers, website, advertisements and more) to an expert for his comments and suggestions.Learn what to do and what not to do to grow your business. This highly interactive event is limited to only25 attendees.

Date: Thursday, October 20 Time: 10 am – 1 pm

Cost: $35

Location: Premier America Credit Union, 1st Floor Training Room, 19867 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311

Essential Steps for Writing a Business Plan Part I

A business plan is a necessity for the success of your business! This workshop will cover all aspects of creatinga business plan, as well as emphasize the importance of goals and outline methods to achieve these goals.Critical topics such as business development, marketing plans, advertising strategies, financial analysis andbudgeting will be covered in Part I.

Wednesday, October 26 Time: 9 am – 12 pm

Cost: $35

Location: Build WorkSource Center, 9207 Eton Ave., Chatsworth

Social Media Marketing Made Simple

In this introductory session, we will cover some of the strategies and best practices to get the most out ofyour social media activities, including time management and measuring the return of your activities. We willtalk about what social media marketing really is, how to incorporate it into your business life without losingproductivity and look at how other businesses are using these low-cost tools to gain visibility, developrelationships and drive sales and response. We will discuss the various social media outlets that are available,how they interact together and ways to leverage their inherent strengths and to evaluate them for best use foryour business or organization. Register online at: http://bit.ly/VanNuys_Oct26_SocialMedia

Date: Wednesday, October 26 Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost: FREE - Parking is in the garage below the building and will be validated.

Location: Van Nuys State Building First Floor Auditorium, 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401

The Power of Email Marketing

Email is the most cost-effective, targeted, trackable, and efficient way to build and maintain relationships in alltypes of business and organizations. Learn how to master the basics of professional email communicationswith this comprehensive look at best practices and winning strategies for finding and keeping permission-basedsubscribers, increasing deliverability and open rates, writing good subject lines and content, getting readers totake action, and becoming a trusted sender. Register online at: http://bit.ly/VanNuys_Oct26_EmailMarketing

Date: Wednesday, October 26 Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Cost: FREE - Parking is in the garage below the building and will be validated.

Location: Van Nuys State Building First Floor Auditorium, 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401

Canoga Park-West Hills Republican Women'smonthly luncheon meeting will be held onWednesday, November 16 from 10:30 AM -2 PM atChatsworth Hotel (formerly the Radisson Hotel) at9777 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Chatsworth.

Guest speaker will be Mr. Ben Shapiro,radio talk showhost, attorney, media consultant and author of threebooks. In addition, election of new officers for 2012will be held. They will installed into office by Ms. JoyBliss, president of the Los Angeles County Federationof Republican Women, who will speak on the topicof the National Federation of Republican Women.Lunch is $22 and a reservation is needed.

Phone: 818-894-1081.

TheWest Valley Garden Club’s November 8thProgram is, “Environmental Responsibility” and“The History of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Areas.”Presented by Steven Hartman, a member of theWildlife Areas Steering Committee for the SepulvedaDam. 11:00 a.m., Orcutt Horticultural Center, 23600Roscoe Blvd. West Hills.

If you wish to attend, please call: 818 348 6677.


Madrid Theatre

Clyde Porter West Valley Playhouse

www.ci.la.ca.us/cad/madridtheatre

__

2011 SEASONPERFORMANCE SHOW CATEGORY DATES

Gaslight Mystery Feb. 4 – Mar. 6The Chantilly Sisters Show Musical Apr. 1 – May 1Arsenic and Old Lace Comedy May 27 – June 26The Pajama Game Musical Comedy July 29 – Aug 28Murder by Natural Causes Comedy/Drama Sept 23 – Oct 23Run For Your Wife Comedy Nov 18 – Dec 18

Visit our website for abstracts about each show. Show titles subject to change.

www.wvplayhouse.com

Box Office: (818) 884-1907

Community News / Calendar

WE INVITE YOU TO MAKE EFFECTIVECOMMUNICATION A REALITYIf you ever had to stand up in front of a groupand make a presentation about your business—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you ever had to introduce an important person ina public meeting and panic at the thought becauseyou don’t know how—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you are involved in your community and need tospeak out about what you are passionate about—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you are in a position of leadership and want toimprove your communication skills—YOU NEEDTOASTMASTERS!

Welcome to “Spirit Speaks” Toastmasters

We invite you to attend one of our meetings.No reservation is required, just show up. You won'tbe pressured to speak or join, and there is no cost.Come prepared to enjoy yourself!

Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the monthTime: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

TV Motion Picture Fund CenterEducation RoomCalabasas Road at Mulholland Road(Right off the 101 Fwy at Valley Circle)Calabasas, CA 91302

For membership information contact:Ed Crowe VP Public Relations (818) 231-4454

Leslie S. Bashaar, elected president of the ToastmastersSpirit Speaks Club of Calabasas.

Murder By Natural Causes. Adapted for the stage from the TV movie murder mystery

Runs Nov. 18 – Dec. 18, 2011 Directed by Jon Berry

Thurs., Fri., Sat. 8:00 pm, Sun. 2:30 pm

Ticket Prices are $25.00 Reg. $23.00 Seniors and Students.

Group Discounts are available.

Clyde Porter’s West Valley Playhouse 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91303

__

Adult Education Classes, SFV Get your GED orHS diploma. Upgrade your job skills. Learn a newtrade. Computer tech., parenting, culinary, ServSafeCert. classes, ESL, evening & Sat. classes.For information or to enroll, call: Hughes Edu. &Career Ctr. at 818-587-4335, El Camino Real Comm.Adult School at 818-610-5600, Canoga Park HighSchool Campus at 818-673-1391, Reseda AdultSchool at 818-758-3700, or visit our website at:http://elcamino-lausd.ca.schoolloop.com

Canoga Park Bowland

the San Fernando ValleySymphony Orchestra

CONCERTS AT THE BOWLWednesday Evenings at 8:00pm

IN THE ROYAL ROOM

ADMISSION FREE/ 1 DRINK MINIMUM

20122 Vanowen Street, Winnetka, CAPersons under 21 years of age not admitted.

NOVEMBER 2011

www.valleycultural.org

Thursday, November 3, 2011Calabasas Chamber of CommerceBusiness MixerLas Virgenes Municipal Water District4232 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 913025:30 - 7:00 p.m.Guest SpeakerCity of Calabasas, City Manager Mr. Tony Coroalles

Partnerships among business, government andresidents are a way to meet the challenges of thecurrent economic climate. Working togethersupporting the community is essential for growth.

28th Annual Clean Up Day...

Join the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber ofCommerce for their 28th Annual Clean Up Day onSaturday, Nov. 5. This day of fun, outdoor work willhelp make the San Fernando Valley cleaner and green-er by cleaning up a hiking trail in Limekiln Canyon inNorthridge.

Come meet your neighbors, get some exercise andfresh air and join the effort to beautify our community!

Saturday Nov. 58:00 am - 12:00 pm

Meet up at World Vision Church19514 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch

They will kick off the event with a review of the workplan with a free continental breakfast, and a free lunchwill be provided for all particpants at the end of theclean-up. The first 150 volunteers will receive a freeresuable shopping bag!

To volunteer or for more informationcall (818) 989-0300 orvisit www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com

The Canoga Park Bowl and theSan Fernando Valley Symphony OrchestraPresent Concerts at the “Bowl” in the Royal RoomWednesday Evenings at 8:00pm

Wednesday, November 2The Blues BanditsPerform the "Blues," featuringDavid Reo, guitar and vocals; Jimi Dee, guitar and vocals;Gary Herbig, saxophone; Larry Muradian, bass guitar andChuck Burkinshaw, drums

Wednesday, November 9The Screaming ClamsPerform "Rock 'n Roll" of the '60s and early '70s, featuringJimi Dee, lead guitar; Joel Domine, keys and guitar;Larry Muradian, bass guitar and Steve Hartman, drums

Santa Susana Mountain Park AssociationCommunity Meeting

Rockpointe Clubhouse22300 Devonshire St., Chatsworth

Western Film History – Santa Susana Mountainsand Simi Hills

Presenter: Jerry England, Author, Rendezvous atBoulder Pass: Hollywood's Fantasyland and ReelCowboys of the Santa Susanas.

Jerry England will entertain us with his new DVDcovering the magic movie moments filmed on vari-ous Chatsworth studio locations including IversonRanch. For TV and film history aficionados this pro-gram is a must to see. England’s books can beordered in advance on his website:www.cowboyup.com and he will bring your auto-graphed copy to the meeting.

Free. Visit www.ssmpa.com or call 818.340.7357

Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society

GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

Topic: Water, Our Past, Our Future

Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 7:30 PM

Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society, 7248Owensmouth Ave.,Canoga Park, CA 91303

Admission is Free

LA City’s water supply history is best summarized byThomas Fuller, “We never know the worth of water tillthe well is dry.” In the 1850's the City of Los Angelestried to privatize its water supply to serve its popula-tion of almost 2,000. By the 2010 Census, the waterdemands for the City grew to just under 4 millionwith an even larger greater metropolitan population.The history of water in our community will beexplored by our guest speaker Rick (Enrique) Silva, avolunteer speaker from the Department of Water &Power as part of our 100th Anniversary countdown.

Please come and hear about what made our watersupply a most valued resource that is often taken forgranted. Learn why we have a water supply in a cli-mate more suitable to the Samuel Taylor Coleridgequote: “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop todrink.” Are you getting thirsty?

For information contact Bill Ratner at (818) 414-2700

Wednesday, November 16Otherwise NormalPerform ''Rock 'n Roll," with accent on the "Beatles,"featuring Rich Capparela, lead vocal, guitar and keys;Rob Davis, lead guitar; Juse Woyenthaler, bass guitarand Barry Kohan, drums

Wednesday, November 23The SymphomaniaxPerform ''Bach, Vivaldi, & Original Compositions &Arrangements," featuring Ruth Bruegger, violin; Glenn Grab,cello; James Domine, guitar andLarry Muradian, bass

Wednesday, November 30Bliman and BrueggerPerform an Encore of their "Broadway Burlesque Show,"featuring hit tunes from Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on theRoof, Les Miserables, and many more!

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL STATE LICENSE # 433013

Backflow Testing. No job too big or too small.

7221-A Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303

(818) 340-2791 (805) 722-0750

PLUMBING

H.W. ALLEN PLUMBING CO., INC.

TUTOR

www.tutor-tutor.com $35/hr.

CUSTOM FRAMING

BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICESCLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED RATES ARE $20 PER INCH6 MO. $108 – 12 MO. $189

FAX YOUR AD TO WEST VALLEY NEWS 818.883.9678VISA & MASTERCARD ACCEPTED(6 Months Minimum Placement for Classified Ads)

SHOP WITH CHAMBER MEMBERSFOR QUALITY AND SERVICE

AIR CONDITIONING


WEST VALLEY NEWS BUSINESS BY REFERRAL

ADVERTISE IN THE WEST VALLEY NEWS. COMMUNITY ADVERTISING AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 818.883.3374C A L A B A S A S / C A N O G A PA R K / C H AT SW O R T H / R E S E D A / TA R Z A N A / W E S T H I L L S / W I N N E T K A / W O O D L A N D H I L L S

SAMPLE ONLINE LISTING

ADVERTISING/GRAPHIC DESIGN

Crowe Marketing DesignEd CroweT (818) 883-3374 M (818) 231-4454ecrowe@crowemarketingdesign.comwww.crowemarketingdesign.com

West Valley NewsCommunity AdvertisingEd Crowe (818) 231-4454advertising@westvalleynews-sfv.comwww.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Advertise for 6-12 issues and get your contact informationlisted online 24/7 in BUSINESS BY REFERRAL free of charge.

You also get a FREE business profile with photo. A value of $250.

Classified ads not included in this offer.

PHOTO RESTORATION

BEFORE AFTER

Digital Photo RetouchingDigital Restoration of Old Photographs

Color and B&W

SEAN CROWE (818) 274-2890

50%

Do you need more customers?Local customers are searching the Internet right nowfor your products and services in your neighborhood!

Can they easily find you?We can make it easy for prospective clients to find you.

We’ll put you on the map with a professionaland optimized Google Places listing!

Take the first step now and call 818-883-3374and ask how we can get your business at the top of the list.

When You Advertise in the West Valley News You’re Online 24/7

MAXIMIZE VISIBILITY & EXPOSURE OF YOUR BUSINESSwith monthly print advertising and 24/7 Google Places local exposure

ONLY $157 per month with 6-month agreement

Your business promotion/advertising bundle includes:

– Business card size ad in the West Valley News (See sample above)– Print ad exposure in 8 communities in the west valley– 24/7 online listing of contact information www.westvalleynews-sfv.com– Optimized Google Places local mapping for top ten, first page placement– Monitoring of SEO keywords and period updates

Call Ed Crowe at (818) 231-4454 for details.

Ask him about the West Valley News 24/7 Promotion Bundle

NEW

Basic Math – Algebra 1 & 2 – GeometryEssay Writing – SAT/ACT/CAHSEE Preparation

Call Derrick Deutsch 818.992.0625

TRADITIONAL CHINESEACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

Acupuncture | Chinese Herbs | Chinese Medical MassagePain Control | Weight Lost | Prostate Therapy | Stress Relief

Jenny Qiu L.ACLicensed AcupuncturistOver 20 Years Experience

818.888.6631

West Hills Plaza23723 Roscoe Blvd.West Hills, CA 91304

SAVE $20 WITH THIS COUPONFIRST TIME CUSTOMERS ONLY

Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM

www.allenplbg.com

Serving the San Fernando Valley Community Since 1916

VISIT US ONLINE

Soon you will beable to FLASHyourvBizEx™and instantly SAVE!

YOUR NAME HERE 12/31/11

INSTANT SAVINGS! vBizEx™ is a business exchange and value card program—with value-added benefits—for chambers of commerceand participating members and their employees.

Participating national and local retailers, as well as serviceproviders and other merchants, will offer special groupdiscounts to vBizEx™ card holders.

In-Home Patient and Professional

West Valley News Volume 7 Number 10 2011

Increase visibility of your business 24/7 on Ed’s List of Business by Referral. Visit www.westvalleynews-sfv.com to learn how.

West Valley News

Documents

Transcript of West Valley News